Workplace drama sometimes spills into online spaces like group chats. But what if the insults go too far? Can you take legal action?
This was the concern of Emilio from Marikina, who asked during the “Tanong ng Pilipino” segment on “Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda”: “Nabasa ko po sa GC (group chat) na tinawag akong ‘bobo’ ng isa kong officemate dahil daw hindi ako magaling mag-English, kaya hindi ako mapromote-promote. Pwede ko po ba silang kasuhan?”
Lawyer Sari Reyes said yes, it’s possible to file a cyberlibel case.
“Yes. Marami po tayong pwedeng ikaso pero in this case, ang gusto ko pong i-discuss ay libel, particularly cyberlibel, dahil nagawa po ito online,” she said.
Even though the message was sent in a group chat, Reyes explained that it can still be considered public under the law.
“Although sa group chat po ito nasabi, meron pa rin pong publicity requirement na na-satisfy sa ating batas kasi meron po tayong Supreme Court case na sinasabi na basta merong ibang tao na makakita – na hindi siya ‘yung dapat makakita o ‘yung pinagsasabihan – already qualifies us for a public act.”
She added that for something to be considered libel, it must damage a person’s reputation, clearly identify them, and accuse them of something bad. In Emilio’s case, these conditions were met.
TV host Boy Abunda also shared his thoughts on the issue. “Hindi po nangangahulugan na [dahil] marunong kang mag-Ingles, matalino ka, or hindi ka marunong mag-Ingles, hindi ka matalino. It doesn’t follow… Kaya ‘wag nating isipin na ang kaisa-isang basehan ng pagiging matalino ay pagsasalita ng Ingles.”
The discussion highlighted not just the legal steps someone can take if insulted online, but also the need to stop judging people based on how well they speak English.
“CIA with BA,” hosted by Senators Alan and Pia Cayetano with Boy Abunda, airs every Sunday at 11 p.m. on GMA7, with replays every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on GTV.
